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SUNY Potsdam Ranked Among Top Public Master's Universities in the Nation by Washington Monthly Magazine

Washington Monthly Ranks SUNY Potsdam Among Top American Public Master's Universities in 2025 Rankings

Potsdam, NY (08/26/2025) — SUNY Potsdam has been ranked No. 113 among public master's universities nationwide in Washington Monthly magazine's newly-published 2025 College Guide.

The College placed among the top quarter of national master's universities rated this year, coming out at No. 160 out of the 585 institutions that were ranked overall, and No. 113 among the public institutions rated.

In addition to its overall placement, SUNY Potsdam also made the following lists:

"For more than two centuries, SUNY Potsdam has stood as a beacon of opportunity and excellence," said President Dr. Suzanne Smith. "This national recognition from Washington Monthly affirms our commitment to empowering students through transformative learning experiences, preparing them to lead in their fields and serve their communities -- and graduate with less debt while doing so."

For its guide, Washington Monthly ranks colleges based on their contribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research, and promoting public service.

"Instead of rewarding colleges for their wealth, prestige, and exclusivity, we measure how much they help ordinary middle- and working-class students get ahead, encourage democratic participation and service to the country, and produce the scholars and scholarship that drive economic growth and human flourishing," wrote editors Paul Glastris and Rob Wolfe.

The College rates highly thanks in large part to the social mobility return it provides for graduates, helping students from all socioeconomic backgrounds earn their degrees and go on to fulfilling and successful careers, with as little debt as possible. Additionally, Potsdam scores highly for the number of undergraduates who go on to earn a Ph.D. or doctorate. The College also earned high scores for the percentage of federal work-study funds spent on service, and for the percentage of graduates studying service-oriented majors like health, education and social service.

To view the full rankings and read more about the methodology, visit washingtonmonthly.com/2025-college-guide.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.

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Media Attachments

SUNY Potsdam geology majors Crystal Smith, left, and Spencer Pelkey, right, talk about their upcoming research projects before attending a geomorphology course on August 25, 2025—the first day of classes for the Fall 2025 semester.

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